Written by: Helena Smolock, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The human body with its many and vast functions is a fascinating machine, one that is comprised of many units which work in synchronicity, if one unit is weak, the rest of the units suffer and may have a detrimental effect on our health.
One unit which is overlooked – The Digestive System. We hear much about heart disease (the Cardiovascular System), Perimenopause, Menopause (the Reproductive and Hormonal system) Diabetes (large Blood Vessels, Macrovascular and Microvascular system which effect certain organs)
The one unit which I always referred to while training clients is the core. Our very centre where movement emanates from. The Core also includes the Digestive System, a system which plays a significant role and has an impact to Optimal Health.
Anatomy of the Digestive System and its Importance to Optimal Health –
Mouth – Where food is chewed, broken down and prepared for the breakdown of nutrients.
Esophagus – Transports food to the Stomach
Stomach – The Stomach churns and mixes food with digestive enzymes
Large Intestine – Absorbs water, prepares and solidifies metabolic waste
Small Intestine – Continues the digestion process, absorbs nutrients
Included in the Digestive System is the Microbiome made up of trillions of microorganisms found in the intestine. These organisms are the precursor to Optimal Health. Every day, these organisms play a significant role in digestion and metabolism. When we ingest foods ladened with unhealthy fats, alcohol, high sugar, salt, additives in packaged foods, pesticides, herbicides, all these factors will disrupt these valuable “worker bees” within our digestion.
The importance of movement is another factor which plays a vital role in the Digestive System. Physical movement and exercise increase oxygen which aids in the transportation of Metabolic Waste from the Large Intestine and out of the body.
Statistics reveal
In the USA, 60 – 70 million Americans are suffering from Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases that can create serious disruptions to daily life. Visit – www.gastro.org
In Canada, according to the Canadian Digestive Health Foundation, every year, more than 20 million Canadians struggle with digestive disorders including lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Helena Smolock, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Helena Smolock, is an award-winning CPT-RNC, a Master Athlete, and Founder and President of Velocity Athletic Training. She received the Business Excellence Award from the Langley Chamber of Commerce 2003, was voted by clients and business associates across Canada and the USA as Business Person of the Year (2020-2022), seated at 4 in the top ten businesses in the USA, and most recently in 2023 seated at 1 (Blaine, WA). Voted in the top ten Business Person of the Year 2023, seated at 6 in the USA. Her company, Velocity Athletic Training has most recently been voted by LUXLife 2023 as the 1 Personal Training Company in Washington State. She has been a Fitness Columnist for Canadian Healthstyle Magazine, The Langley Times and has been featured on radio and television. Helena is also WBENC ‒ Certified as a Woman Owned Business. The Gold Standard in business Certification.
From athletes and corporate professionals, to those seeking post-rehab, Helena has provided an environment where a trusted bond is developed between client and coach. Together we design your 1:1 Functional Conditioning to boost your Fitness with an Athletic Twist to enhance Performance and Mindset to WIN!!
